VCU will operate virtually on Monday, March 16, with remote learning and VCU Health inpatient hospitals are open in advance of expected severe weather

To the VCU and VCU Health Communities,
 

VCU will operate virtually on Monday, March 16, with remote learning. This decision is made in consideration of the safety of students, faculty and staff and to promote academic consistency throughout the day.

Designated university employees such as physical plant, facilities and police should report to campus as scheduled and other university employees should work remotely. University employees unable to work remotely will be granted office closing leave.

VCU Health Alert:

Inpatient hospitals and emergency departments are open and fully operational at VCU Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital and VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.

VCU Health team members should monitor their email, VCU Health alert and the intranet for operational updates.

Patients will be contacted directly if their appointment is impacted.

Student and Community operations:

VCU School of Dentistry patients will be contacted about their appointments.

Information about VCU Dining Facilities is available at vcu.campusdish.com.

RamsXpress will not run on March 16. 

VCU libraries will operate virtually and library buildings will be closed.

For updates on changes to the Institute for Contemporary Art operating hours and scheduled programs visit icavcu.org.

Current National Weather Service Forecast:

The National Weather Service is forecasting potential severe weather across the region on Monday, March 16. There is significant risk for severe thunderstorms, including the possibility of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

Terms to Know:

In the event that severe weather leads to potential tornado activity, the National Weather Service has three key alerts to watch out for. Here is the difference between a Tornado Watch, a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Emergency.

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!  Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Tornado Emergency: Seek Shelter Immediately! A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible. Call friends and family who are within the watch area to ensure they are aware of the situation. If you see a tornado approaching, do not attempt to outrun it in a vehicle; shelter in place. Once safe, be sure to monitor your local forecast for the latest updates.

Additional operational updates will be found at alert.vcu.edu.